GMOs and the Safety Concerns

GMOs and the Safety Concerns

Do you wonder about genetically modified organisms in sixty to seventy percent of processed foods sold in our markets today? Wouldn’t you like these products labeled so you know what you are buying?

What are GMOs? GMOs are plants or animals that have had their genes altered with DNA from different species of living organisms, bacteria, or viruses. The reason, behind these alterations, is to get these desired traits; such as improved flavor, disease resistance, or pesticide tolerance. This sounds like a great plan, but have they tested people’s reactions to all this genetic engineering? Have they considered people's health, when, in fact, we all react differently to the food we eat? They’re playing around with the unknown; this novel, patented organisms that have never before been part of nature or part of the human diet. There hasn’t been enough research on all the changes and I, for one, am worried about the impact on the unsuspecting public; what may happen to our health in the long run?

Being one of these consumers who would like to know which are GMO products so I can avoid them, I’m all for labeling so I know what to avoid. When twenty nations have put an outright ban on these GMO products, I get concerned. Why did they do this? What reason was behind this bold move? More than sixty countries worldwide require labels to be put on the products. I say good for them and now I’m waiting for the US to wake up and do what’s right for Americans living here.

Pouring myself a bowl of cereal in the morning, I wondered which ingredients listed were genetically engineered. After a while, I decided to play it safe and turned to eating toast, eggs, and bacon… But then with bacon, you have to worry about a whole different set of problems. We are left in the dark about many things happening with our food. It becomes confusing and worrisome.

I also wondered why Monsanto gets by with selling these genetically modified seeds in our country. I guess they are too big to stop and are working towards controlling all the seeds sold here in the United States. Then, when you hear about the growing body of evidence that connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage, and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights, I think that warrants concern. Monsanto wanted to be the only seed dealer worldwide, so Israel could no longer sell their seed products in the US. Can you imagine what would have happened if they did get full control and would have no competition? Thank goodness twenty nations banned them from even setting foot in their country. I mean, they have proven that their people got sick eating genetically modified foods, some even died from complications that set in.

I ask again why aren't GMOs labeled? Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public. Thank goodness, in the absence of mandatory labeling, the Non-GMO Project has been created to give consumers the informed choices they deserve. Their strategy... Empowering consumers to make changes through the marketplace. If people know how dangerous GMO-modified products can be to their health, they will stop buying their products, companies will stop using them, and farmers will stop growing crops using GMO products.

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